In SPECTRUM, CNRS contributes as Radio Astronomy domain expert community.
The French National Center for Scientific Research (Centre national de la recherche scientifique, CNRS) is the largest public research organisation in France, accounting for around 1,100 services and/or research units throughout the country. As a multidisciplinary institution, it covers all fields of scientific research driving various programs and actions designed to address society and industry expectations. CNRS encourages collaboration in national, European, and international projects and provides a strong administrative support to such projects, with dedicated staff on financial, legal, and administrative issues.
CNRS is involved in SPECTRUM through researchers and experts involved in the SKA project. CNRS plays a key role in the participation of France to the SKAO. In 2018, France officially became involved in the SKA Organisation through the Maison SKA-France, a consortium bringing together seven public research organisations (CNRS, Paris Observatory, Côte d’Azur Observatory, University of Orléans, University of Bordeaux, National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology, and CEA’s Fundamental Research Division) and seven private companies (Air Liquide, ATOS-Bull, Callisto, CNIM, FEDD, Kalray, and Thales).
Headed up by the CNRS, the resulting public-private collaboration helped position the SKA project within France’s industrial, scientific, and political spheres, leading to the SKA being placed on the country’s national research infrastructure roadmap. In May 2021, the SKAO’s governing Council decided unanimously to admit France as a member of the Inter-Governmental Organisation. While the processes to complete the accession of France to the SKAO are completed, a collaboration agreement has been signed in 2022 between SKAO and CNRS.
This is an interim step that allows the French scientific and industrial communities to continue their engagement with the SKAO and for scientists to reap the benefits of the SKA.
